AAAR 35th Annual Conference October 17 - October 21, 2016 Oregon Convention Center Portland, Oregon, USA
Abstract View
Mobile Monitoring of PM2.5 and Black Carbon in Rural Washington During Winter 2015
KELSEY GIBBS, Megan Baker, Jill Schulte, Anne Johansen, Central Washington University
Abstract Number: 490 Working Group: Remote and Regional Atmospheric Aerosols
Abstract Steadily declining air quality in rural Kittitas Valley in Central Washington has recently drawn federal attention, seeding efforts to increase understanding of particulate matter (PM) sources in this region. Toward that goal, a pilot mobile monitoring study was performed to establish temporal and geographical patterns of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) during cold winter days with stagnant air conditions. Five sampling trips, encompassing 25 hours of mobile monitoring in the Ellensburg area (approximately 20,000 inhabitants) were completed between January and June, 2015. Results indicate that (i) the most prevalent source of PM2.5 stems from wood burning for home heating during cool afternoons/evenings, and (ii) vehicular emissions represent a smaller but significant portion of PM especially during rush-hour traffic and when temperatures were not as cold and home heating absent. The one stationary PM2.5 Federal Equivalent Method (FEM) monitor on the roof of the Community Center generally under-predicts concentrations obtained during mobile monitoring. As part of this study, Ellensburg High School students designed additional sampling projects with the personal BC monitor. Surveys revealed that these personal monitors significantly affect a person’s behavior with regard to reducing their own exposure to air pollutants. With this new data, the community is better positioned to formulate strategies on how to best mitigate against winter air pollution.